Where to Eat Near the Eiffel Tower

Like most tourist sites in Paris (and around the world), the restaurants near the Eiffel Tower are some of the worst quality and value in the whole city. But you don’t have to end up at a tourist trap when visiting the Iron Lady. If you venture a few blocks away, there are loads of good places. From neighborhood bistros to cutting-edge contemporary cuisine to Michelin stars, here is a selection of the best restaurants near the Eiffel Tower, selected for you by a long-time local so you can avoid all the tourist traps.

Restaurants Inside the Eiffel Tower

Le Jules Verne

Situated in an unbeatable location on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, this iconic gastronomic restaurant is one of the most famous restaurants in the world. Changing chefs over the last few years, the current team of four stellar chefs at Le Jules Verne have been climbing back up the ranks and have earned back one Michelin star.

You can expect excellent well-executed cuisine at this fine-dining restaurant. But if I’m honest, most diners come here because it’s the perfect place for a breathtaking view of Paris. Reservations must be made in advance and via its online system so if you have your heart set on going, be sure to do so when they open your date 90 days beforehand.

Madame Brasserie

If your dream is to dine on the Eiffel Tower, but don’t have a massive budget, then book at Madame Brasserie instead. Found on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, I didn’t use to recommend it as it was self-service style.

However since the restaurant was revamped by star chef Thierry Marx, it’s now a worthwhile option that is much more affordable than the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Jules Verne. Diners have to choose from a selection of set menus, the cost depending on where you’re seated. The desirable window seats, with the best views, cost double central tables. Reservations via its online platform are recommended.

Best Affordable Restaurants Near the Eiffel Tower

Le Petit Cler

Although the rue Cler has lost some of its authenticity, there are still some genuine gems on this charming market street, including this casual café Le Petit Cler.

Within the same restaurant family as more upmarket La Fontaine de Mars, this neighborhood joint serves classic French dishes at a reasonable price. Favorites such as Poilane bread tartines, salads, omelets, and daily specials, make it the perfect place for lunch or a relaxed dinner.

Zia

Owned by Justin Kent of Milagro (see the modern restaurants section), the contemporary coffee shop Zia is a great place for a casual breakfast, lunch or snack near the Eiffel Tower. It serves creative market-driven brunch fare all week long. There are set menus as well as à la carte options, all of which go exceptionally well with their specialty coffee.

Sunflower Café 

As you might gather from its name, this relaxed eatery focuses on healthy cuisine. This comes in the form of freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, gourmet sandwiches, veggie-packed salads made with seasonal products, and hearty Buddha bowls. These can be enjoyed at their few indoor tables at the Sunflower Café, on the terrace, or as a picnic on the Champ de Mars, just in front of the Eiffel Tower.

Best Family Restaurants near the Eiffel Tower

Chez Pippo 

Even though this is France, I definitely understand that pasta and pizza can be the best dishes to satisfy kids’ hunger and you can achieve this at this good-quality Italian trattoria found only a few minutes’ walk from the tower.

The menu at Chez Pippo includes Italian favorites such as homemade pasta, bruschetta, meat dishes, and both Roman and Neapolitan-style pizzas. It has outdoor seating, ideal for summertime meals with the kids.

Sandwicherie Comme Chez Vous 

Try this spot for a quick kid-friendly bite not far from the tower. As its name indicates, the Sandwicherie Comme Chez Vous  serve a range of sandwiches as well as crêpes and hot and cold beverages. You can nibble on these on its small outdoor terrace with Eiffel Tower views, or as you carry on with your sightseeing.

Le Crepuscule

A crowd-pleaser for all ages, crepes are a great go-to meal for kids in France. Le Crepuscule is a good sit-down crêperie a short jaunt from La Dame de Fer. You can choose from their selection of galettes (buckwheat crepes) or create your own with your favorite ingredients. Les enfants, the kids, will surely want to save room for dessert!

Best Traditional French Restaurants near the Eiffel Tower

Arnaud Nicolas

Carnivores will be in seventh heaven at this temple to charcuterie, which happens to be one of the best French restaurants in the area. Awarded the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, chef Arnaud Nicolas has perfectly the art of pâté en croûte, terrine, and foie gras. They are available in refined dishes in his stylish restaurant, Arnaud Nicolas, or to go in the haute-couture delicatessen of his venue, with its convenient location around the corner from the Eiffel Tower.

L’Auberge Bressane

This neighborhood institution has been the place for a great French meal for over 60 years. The menu at L’Auberge Bressane has classic French cuisine like escargots, foie gras with apricot chutney, and veal sweetbreads. However, I come here for their famous souflés. Its interior takes you back in time, while on sunny days I prefer to sit on its spacious terrace.

Best Modern Restaurants near the Eiffel Tower

Milagro

With an American father and French mother, Santa Fe native Justin Kent worked at leading Paris restaurants – including Michelin 3-star restaurant, L’Arpège, Verjus, and L’Agape Substance – before opening his café, Zia, and then this more sophisticated venue, Milagro. His inventive menu changes with the seasons and the last time I ate there I loved the homemade panfried gnocchi with fried artichoke and shiitake mushrooms.

Bistrot Belhara 

Around the corner from the famous rue Cler is the alluring Bistrot Belhara of Basque chef Thierry Dufroux. Using predominantly ingredients and influences from his native southwestern region, at lunch, you can opt for daily chalkboard specials, but I prefer to choose from the creative pintxos tapas, whereas the dinner menu lists seasonal dishes and a tasting menu chosen by the chef. 

Tomy + Co

For the best bistronomic cuisine near the Eiffel Tower, I would pick this fantastic restaurant of chef Tomy Gousset, Tomy + Co. His hard work and creativity have earned him a highly coveted Michelin star. The regularly changing menu showcases original takes on French classics and uses vegetables from his own garden. You can sample these in various tasting menus, but if you want to splurge out, I suggest the decadent option with truffles and caviar.

Best Unique Restaurants near the Eiffel Tower

Ducasse Sur Seine

If I could choose just one dinner cruise to take on the Seine, I’d select this prestigious glass boat, Ducasse sur Seine, that sets sail across the river from the Eiffel Tower. While savoring a menu designed by renowned chef Alain Ducasse, you’ll cruise down the Seine river, and admire exquisite views of the Eiffel Tower from a unique vantage point. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic dinner and unforgettable experience.

Girafe

Found across the river in the Palais de Chaillot, the glamorous Girafe restaurant has an Art Deco design and a prized terrace facing the Eiffel Tower. I think it’s a little over-priced and over-rated, nevertheless, it’s one of the best restaurants for stunning Eiffel Tower views. Its menu revolves around exceptional seafood, but also has a selection of salads and meat dishes. It’s best to reserve as far in advance as possible.

Addresses:

Le Jules Verne, Avenue Gustave Eiffel 2ème, Eiffel Tower,
Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris

Madame Brasserie, Eiffel Tower, 1er, 75007 Paris

Le Petit Cler, 29 Rue Cler, 75007 Paris

Zia, 22 Av. de Tourville, 75007 Paris

Sunflower Café, 41 Av. de Suffren, 75007 Paris

Chez Pippo, 31 Av. de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris

Sandwicherie Comme Chez Vous, 49 avenue de la Bourdonnais, Paris 75007

Le Crépsucule, 18 Rue Amélie, Paris 75007

Arnaud Nicolas, 46 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris

L’Auberge Bressane, 16 Avenue de la Motte-Picquet, 75007
Paris

Milagro, 85 Aveune Bosquet, 75007, Paris

Bistrot Belhara, 23 Rue Duvivier, 75007 Paris

Tomy + Co, 22 Rue Surcouf, 75007 Paris

Durcasse sur Seine – 19 Port Debilly, 75116 Paris

Girafe, 1 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris

Related Links

• If you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower here’s everything you need to know from a local tour guide.
• Check out where to have lunch around the Louvre.
• And, where to eat around Notre Dame.

Written by Lily Heise for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.